…urges 2026 UTME candidates to report violators
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has called on candidates who may have paid above the officially approved registration fees for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to report such Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres with credible evidence.
The Board warned that any accredited CBT centre found overcharging candidates or engaging in sharp practices would face strict sanctions.
JAMB made this known in a statement issued on Friday by Fabian Benjamin, its spokesperson, following reports in some quarters alleging that the Board had increased its registration fees.
Describing the claim as false and misleading, JAMB stated that its approved fees remain unchanged. According to the Board, the cost for Direct Entry (DE) registration is N5,700; UTME only (without mock) is N7,200; while UTME with mock examination is N8,700.
“The Board appeals to any candidate who has paid more than the officially approved fees to promptly report such centres with credible evidence. Such reports will enable the Board to investigate and take immediate disciplinary action against any erring centre found to be overcharging or engaging in sharp practices,” the statement read in part.
JAMB clarified that the sale of e-PINs for the 2026 UTME ended on Thursday, while registration at accredited CBT centres for candidates who had already purchased their e-PINs will close on Saturday, February 28.
While acknowledging rising operational costs, JAMB maintained that it has retained the same fee structure since 2019. It recalled that in 2018, the Federal Executive Council approved a reduction in the UTME application fee from N5,000 to N3,500, effective from the 2019 registration exercise.
Providing a breakdown of the approved charges, the Board listed the application fee as N3,500; reading text N1,000; CBT centre registration service charge N700; CBT centre UTME service charge N1,500; bank charges N500; and CBT Mock-UTME centre charge N1,500.
JAMB urged parents and candidates to be vigilant and avoid individuals, agents, or centres attempting to exploit them by demanding payments above the officially approved rates.
“The attention of the Board has been drawn to a publication insinuating that the Board has increased its registration fees. The Board wishes to state categorically that this claim is false, misleading and entirely unfounded,” the statement added.
The Board further advised prospective candidates and their guardians to rely solely on information released through its verified platforms and official advertisements to avoid falling victim to fraudulent practices.
